Mikel K Miller

After retiring and moving to the Baja Peninsula in Mexico, Mikel Miller published two popular books about expat life on the peninsula. In 2012, he moved to Guadalajara, where he began helping other writers publish books. He edited the award-winning anthology "Mexico: Sunlight & Shadows" with contributions from 22 writers who lived or spent time in Mexico. He also edited the award-winning best-selling history "Abraham Lincoln and Mexico" written by a noted historian.

In June 2022, he was diagnosed with Stage IIIC colorectal cancer and endured five months of aggressive chemotherapy and radiation with strong support from family and friends. In January 2023, after successful surgery, he was declared “cancer-free.” His wife and his oncologist urged him to write about his experience as a catharsis. In October of that year, he began posting journal articles on Medium and later on Substack to increase awareness of colorectal cancer. Author friends and doctors who saw his online articles urged him to publish a book based on his journal articles.

In January 2024, he and his wife, Maria Elena Martinez de la Torre, celebrated 10 years of marriage by renewing their vows in an official church wedding. It was the #1 item on the “survivor bucket list” they started when he began chemotherapy, a goal that helped give him the will to live.